Kimono Dress: Simplicity 8244

Tips for sewing Simplicity 8244 dress in brocade for a teenager

Pattern

Simplicity 8244

Inspiration

Anime 

My daughter’s interests

The “Anime Girl” Simplicity 8244

My daughter is 13yr old and is into Anime like no other.  She reads Manga and is learning another language just so she can be entertained by this Far East craze.  It’s not not my thing but I think it’s cool that she’s into something other than the typical.

Pattern Review

Pattern Description: Close-fitting Asian inspired dress

Pattern Sizing: Size: A (10-12-14-16-18-20-22)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, I would say even better than the pattern envelope

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, there are a number of odd shaped pieces to achieve the look of the dress so the challenge was getting my mind wrapped around fitting those pieces together.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the look of the pattern.  It could be used for cosplay, costume, special occasion, or if it is made of a low sheen fabric like linen it could be worn to work or out to dinner

Fabric Used:  Polyester Brocade

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:  Design changes to the flap; my young “client” didn’t want the accent to the closure so I omitted it with a few minor adjustments.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. I would sew Simplicity 8244 again and absolutely recommend it to others.

Conclusion:  This dress looked great on my daughter and certainly was not difficult to make.  There are plenty of design elements for this pattern that allow your true style to come out–fabric choices, buttons, closures.  I would not advise for a capsule wardrobe or every day wear.